Mass Action for Sustainable Development in Africa (MASDA) has expressed concern over the deterioration and damage illegal Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) popularly known as “galamsey” has done to the environment in Ghana.
This is contained in a press release dated September 11.
“In particular, the destruction of forests and water bodies is beyond comprehension. Their activities have placed a drag on the country’s climate change mitigation efforts and threatened the realisation of other important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The situation has become dire so much so that, urgent action is required to save lives and the environment,” parts of the press release read.
MASDA is a civil society organisation with focus on promotion of good economic and democratic governance, youth empowerment and most importantly, sustainable development in Africa through collective action.
MASDA noted that, “Government has over the years, instituted measures meant to root out or at the very least, minimise the spread and effects of this menace with varying degrees of success. The missing link in all the efforts against “galamsey” has been sincere political will and commitment.
They therefore proposed the following:
• Government must cause an immediate cessation of all ASM activities in the country.
• We further propose a multi-stakeholder conference on “galamsey” with specific
objects as soon as possible.
• We suggest a comprehensive review of the entire mining sub-sector including the
exploitation and management of critical minerals.
• We also propose the setting up by the Chief Justice, of specialised courts to handle
environmental and mining offences.
MASDA also urged government to “stop all ASM activities immediately to allow for a more sustainable solution to the “galamsey” problem.
They threatened that “if government fails to suspend their activities by 16th September 2024, we shall mobilise the mass of Ghanaians to demand that on the streets. Galamsey poses a threat to our survival, and we demand action now.
Read also:
Galamsey is affecting learning ability of students – General Secretary of GNAT | 3News
